, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Yes. On both the first points, yes, I am very pleased to continue my stated support for Wrexham's bid to be the UK City of Culture. I know that the Member, and indeed the one-time director of Wrexham Supporters Trust, the constituency Member for Wrexham, have…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Thank you for the question. We continue to support the region through our regional economic framework and our place-based approach to economic development. The Welsh Government is a founder member of the Mersey Dee Alliance, as the Member will know, and this…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Well, look, when you actually think about what you've just read out, it doesn't simply say, 'We are marketing the capital region as a low-wage economy.' It's also about the aspirations. When you look at the wider economic framework, actually, they're very…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Well, I just don't think the Cardiff capital region are promoting a low-wage economy in what they're saying. I haven't read the exact text in the brochure, so I'm not going to say that I absolutely endorse or condemn what's there. I know from my conversations…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Well, the regional economic frameworks actually set out how partners are going to work together and the priorities for investment in improvement in those regions. And they're not imposed by Welsh Government—far from it. It's joint work that's been undertaken…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Well, you're right to say that our enterprise zones strategy needs to make sure that it's aligned with the broader work we're undertaking with partners. And I think, actually, it's a real strength that we're able to have a joint conversation, where the Welsh…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Well, I don't think it's fair to say that the capital region is looking to lock in depressed graduate salaries. Actually, the ambition of the capital region, which is made up, as you know, of a partnership between 10 local authorities, of differing political…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
So, this is part of where I think, actually—. There are areas where there's disagreement between the Welsh and the UK Governments, and, actually, the city deals and the regional deals that are taking place are an example of where we can work together. Of…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Yes. I have discussed the recent purchase of Aberthaw with a number of members of the Cardiff capital region board. My officials continue to maintain a dialogue with the capital region on this and other matters as we look to exploit the potential for…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Thank you for the question and for highlighting the work that People First do, not just in Carmarthen, but in other parts of the country. I have done work in my constituency role with Cardiff People First and, again, it's an organisation that actually has…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Thank you for the question. You're right to point out the significant difference in economic outcomes for disabled people and people who don't have a disability. That's part of the reason why we shifted so much of our employability and skills plans to try to…
, Plenary
Questions to the Minister for Economy
Thank you for the question. We continue to take a range of measures to help improve economic opportunities for disabled people. That includes the establishment, in 2020, of a Welsh Government network of disabled people's employment champions to engage with…
, Plenary
Statement by the Minister for Economy: Progressing the Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission
I thank the Member for his contribution. He is consistent on his point that he believes there should be more targets across a range of areas. My view is that of course poverty is a significant part of what we are looking to do and the fight against poverty…
, Plenary
Statement by the Minister for Economy: Progressing the Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission
Thank you for the comments and questions. Starting with your points about the co-operative economy, as you'd expect, being a Labour and Co-operative Member of the Senedd, it's something that I'm especially interested in. Of course, there are views across the…
, Plenary
Statement by the Minister for Economy: Progressing the Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission
Thank you for the comments and the constructive tone of the response from the Conservative spokesperson. There are many things that we agree on as outline challenges that the country faces. We've talked regularly about the climate and nature emergency and the…
, Plenary
Statement by the Minister for Economy: Progressing the Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission
As we know, in the weeks that followed, omicron turned economies back into emergency mode as we responded to the latest wave of COVID with actions delivered in partnership, based on evidence. This included a further round of business support with packages…
, Plenary
Statement by the Minister for Economy: Progressing the Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Last year, my predecessor published our cross-Government economic mission. It was clear then that a return to business as usual was not an option. The response to the pandemic has accelerated many of the existing trends…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Economy
You're very welcome. Prynhawn da, everyone.
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Economy
So, I've announced today a programme of international visits for the next year about promoting our opportunities to train and grow our market share. I'm looking at what we're going to be able to do with our St David's programme, together with the First…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Economy
The Irish story isn't just known because of the success of Ireland as a country. For those of you that aren't aware, this is the regular reminder that my wife is Irish. She's from Cork and St Patrick's Day is a really big deal. It's a big deal for them, as…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Economy
Well, look, as a much younger man, I worked for years as someone who washes up in the kitchen and I've worked as a waiter as well. My brother took the career path and he's now a chef, so I've seen from my own experience the demands of working in the sector…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Economy
I'd be really interested in some of those specific examples being shared with us, Sarah, because I do think when we're having a conversation about the future, it's exactly the conversation we need to have about how we say, 'This should not be representative…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Economy
It's not just the young person's guarantee and our work with Working Wales and Careers Wales, and it's not just where people go to get advice, but to think about what would a career in this area be, and I think talking to people about not just a job but a…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Economy
Well, on degree apprenticeships, we're interested in how they can help to genuinely improve in an area where there is a challenge either in supply or a definite return. So, we've got a range of areas where we're already active, and as we look to expand, we'll…
, Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee
General Ministerial Scrutiny - Minister for Economy
Okay, so, yes, we think there is room for improvement. If we didn't think there was room for improvement, then we wouldn't be looking to set out the social partnership and public procurement Bill. I don't know which committee is going to scrutinise that, but…
